Krystian Bielik's agent has revealed he can't understand why the Polish international was playing for Derby's U23 side when he picked up a serious knee injury.

The versatile 22-year-old, who has played in defence and midfielder for the Rams this season, was forced off in the first-half of the game for the development side earlier this week and early reports fear he could be set for up to a year out after damaging his cruciate ligament.

Obviously, that would be a massive setback for Phillip Cocu and the team, with the former Arsenal man playing in 20 games this season.

But, his campaign could be over now and his advisor, Cezary Kucharski, told Polish media that Derby's decision to use Bielik in this fixture was hard to grasp.

"Krystian was getting ready for Saturday's match with Hull. He could easily handle it by training normally. In the meetings of younger players, on a lower level, the game is completely different. I believe that this Monday session did not make sense."

Bielik had yet to play for Derby this season after picking up a red card against Charlton on December 30, with the weekend draw against Middlesbrough the final game of his ban.

The big Derby County quiz – Can you get 18 out of 18?

The verdict

You can understand both sides to this and you have to say that it's extremely unfortunate for the Rams and the player.

On one hand, he needed to get some game time having not featured for the past two weeks and that's exactly what the U23 side is there for.

Yet, to lose an influential player in a fixture that doesn't matter in the big picture is hugely frustrating so you can see where his agent is coming from. They will now be hoping the injury isn't as bad as first feared but it does not sound promising at all.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.